Systemic lupus erythematosus, often abbreviated as SLE or lupus, is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks normal, healthy tissue. This can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. And can result in symptoms, such as inflammation and swelling. When the immune system is functioning normally, it makes proteins called antibodies that protect and fight against antigens, like viruses and bacteria. Lupus causes the immune system to be unable to differentiate antigens and healthy tissue. As a result, the immune system directs antibodies against healthy tissue, which causes swelling, pain, and tissue damage. Although the underlying cause of autoimmune diseases is unknown, most doctors believe that lupus results from both genetic and environmental stimuli. There are many kinds of lupus. The most common type is systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects many internal organs in the body. SLE most often harms the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The course of the disease is unpredictable, with periods of illness alternating with remissions.
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